PPL Montana’s 11 hydroelectric plants break 21-year record

The plants on the West Rosebud Creek and the Missouri, Madison, Clark Fork and Flathead rivers set highest hourly production records of 585 megawatts on July 1 and 2, breaking the previous mark that stood since 1988.

The 585-megawatt record is also significant because it’s close to the maximum output of 602 megawatts that can be achieved by the hydro plants.

PPL Montana generation this year has benefited from above-average snowpack in the mountains, which fills reservoirs and rivers during the spring runoff.

In addition to producing power, PPL Montana’s hydroelectric plants provide flood control, irrigation, public recreation, and help protect and enhance fisheries, wildlife, wetlands habitat and water quality.